General Information

Q: Is UNC Kenan-Flagler a general management program? Are concentrations offered?

A: The program is a general management program. All students will graduate with a common mastery of the core business subjects. But we also offer optional concentrations and focus areas. Starting the second half of the first year, student begin to take elective courses in their area of concentration (if they have one). Approximately 75% of our students declare some type of concentration.

Q: I am interested in transferring from another MBA program. Is it possible to get credit toward my MBA at UNC?

A: We do not accept transfer credit into the full-time MBA program.

Q: Is it possible to pursue a dual degree program along with the MBA?

A: Yes, we have dual degree programs arranged with six of UNC's other graduate schools as well as with two programs at Duke University.

Q: What is the typical student profile at UNC Kenan-Flagler?

A: We have a wide variety of backgrounds among our students; there really is not a typical student at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Our class profile from the most recent class provides a snapshot of our student body as a whole.

Admissions

Q: I'm interested in getting an MBA, but I don't know whether I'm competitive for UNC Kenan-Flagler's full-time MBA program. May I schedule an appointment with an admissions director to discuss my credentials?

A: During the core admissions season from September through May, the directors have interviews to evaluate applicants. In the summer, between June and August, contact our office to schedule a brief informational session with one of our admissions directors.

Q: My spouse/partner and I both are applying and plan to enroll together. Will you evaluate us as a package deal?

A: We evaluate each individual based on his/her credentials. No attempt is made to send the same decision to both spouses/partners. Couples looking at UNC Kenan-Flagler should not hesitate to let the Admission Office know if there is a mutual interest in UNC Kenan-Flagler. The School will be happy to provide insights from partners who have gone through the program together.

Q: I plan to reapply this year. Do I have to start a new online application with new essays and new recommendations?

A: Yes, you will need to start a new application and upload new essays, recommendations, resume and work history. Your transcripts and test scores will roll over to the new application. Please be sure to use the same login information as you used for the previous application year.

Q: How does the Admissions Office evaluate applicants who apply via the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management?

A: For more information on the Consortium application process, please see the Consortium FAQ page.

Q: If I am admitted this year, may I defer my enrollment until next year?

A: Generally, we will not defer your enrollment unless there are medical or other emergency reasons.

Q: What are the decisions I could receive on the decision release date?

A: All applicants for a given deadline will receive one of three decisions on the decision release date: admit, waitlist or deny. The admission committee seeks to select the most competitive candidates from the applicant pool. Some applicants' packages rank them clearly in highest tier, and those applicants are admitted immediately. We have other candidates that are clearly not among the most competitive applicants, and those applicants are denied immediately. There is a band of applicants who are more competitive than most, but not as competitive as those in the highest tier. We designate these high potential candidates as "waitlist".

Q: How does the waitlist process work?

A: If you receive a waitlist decision, we believe you are high potential. We believe that candidates in this group could one day make the cut for admission, but we cannot be sure that they will. We review all waitlisted candidates with the applicants from the subsequent admissions round. If the subsequent rounds of applicants are considerably stronger or weaker, this could change how a waitlisted applicant compares to the highest tier of applicants. Also, if we yield fewer admitted applicants than we had forecasted, then we will need to admit more applicants in order to fill the class. Or, if the yield of admitted applicants is higher than expected, fewer additional people will be admitted. Because we review the previously waitlisted applicants each round, it is possible for an applicant to receive more than one "waitlist" decision. It's also possible that a previously waitlisted applicant could be denied or admitted in a subsequent round. It is not uncommon for a waitlisted applicant to be continued on the waiting list.

Q: If I get denied admission to UNC Kenan-Flagler, can I request feedback so I can strengthen my application for next year?

A: We are unable to provide individual feedback to denied applicants. However, our admissions director has compiled some general feedback for candidates who have been denied and are thinking about reapplying in a future year.

A: UNC Kenan-Flagler keeps a GMAT or TOEFL score for two years after the date on which it was sent. If your score was sent last year, and has not expired, you do not need to re-submit it this year. GMAT and GRE scores expire after 5 years.

Q: I submitted my application before I took the GMAT. I scored lower than I thought and now I want to retake the GMAT. How can I make sure that you will only consider my application when I get my new scores?

A: Contact the MBA Admissions Office as soon as possible and notify us that you are retaking the GMAT. If necessary, your application may be moved to a later application cycle.

Work Experience

Q: Is work experience required for admission to the full-time MBA program?

A. We do not have minimum work experience requirements for applicants. However, most accepted students have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. The Admissions Committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. To see the average of our current class, please visit the class profile page.

Q: Will my internships during college, or other types of short-term work, be considered as part of my work experience?

A: Only full-time, permanent, post-undergraduate positions count towards your work experience. Applicants' initiative in landing internships and the experiences gained in these assignments are certainly considered when we evaluate your overall package. While we are aware that many international applicants work full time while attending university, we prefer that they also present a minimum of two years of work experience after completing the first degree.

Q: If I have less than two years of full-time work experience, will my application be considered?

A: We review every application we receive, regardless of the amount of work experience. But applicants with less than two years of experience are not likely to be competitive in comparison to other candidates at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Q: I worked full-time before I received my college degree. Will you consider that work experience?

A: Your full-time work before you earned a bachelor's degree can be considered. The quality of work experience is as significant as the quantity. The Admissions Committee will evaluate the degree and progression of your responsibility, supervisory roles and the managerial promise of that work.

Interviews

Q: When will I be able to schedule my interview?

A: Anyone can register with us and schedule their interview using our Interview & Campus Visit Scheduler. In order to get access to the Scheduler, you must start an application, upload your resume and pay the application fee.

Q: How can I arrange an interview?

A: We have an open interview policy. Once you have started your application, uploaded your resume and paid the application fee, you will have access to the online interview scheduler. Simply log into your account and select the “Interviews and Campus Visits” tab.

Q: When will I receive an interview invitation?

A: We do not issue interview invitations. It is your responsibility to schedule your interview on your own through the online interview scheduler. You are welcome to interview before or after you submit your written application.

Q: Is an interview required?

A: Interviews are a very important part of the UNC Kenan-Flagler admissions process. For this reason, we will not offer admission to anyone who has not completed an interview.

Q: How much weight does the interview carry?

A: The interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about UNC Kenan-Flagler, and it gives the Admission Committee a chance to hear from you in person. Admission decisions at UNC Kenan-Flagler are not based on a strict formula. The interview, the GMAT, academic accomplishments, work experience, recommendations and application essays all count-it's the combination of these elements that help Admissions get acquainted with you and better evaluate your application.

Q: How long does an interview last?

A: Interviews are usually 30 minutes. We would like to spend even more time, but the heavy demand for interviews limits the amount of time we can spend with each person. Allow at least 45 minutes in case your interview runs a little longer.

Q: What are interviews like at UNC Kenan-Flagler?

A: Your interview will be conducted by a member of the admissions committee. Interviewer bios are available on our Web site. Your interviewer will not have read or reviewed your admissions application, but will have a copy of your resume. Each interviewer's interviewing style is different, but all of our interviewers aim to create a positive and engaging interview conversation. Dress for interviews is business professional.

Q: If I am coming to campus for an interview, can I visit a class or meet with current students?

A: Absolutely. When you are invited to interview, you will also be given the opportunity to select a class visit, lunch with current students and a tour of the business school. We hope you are able to take advantage of these other visit components in order to get a feel of our school's special culture and environment. You also may want to reach out on your own to one of our current students. Our MBA Ambassadors have a Web page specifically for prospective students.

Q: Can I visit campus even if I don’t want to interview yet?

A: We always welcome applicants to visit our campus. During this visit, you can choose to visit a class, have lunch with current students and tour the business school facility. Feel free to schedule a campus visit by logging into your application and selecting the "Interviews and Campus Visit" tab.

Career Management

Q: Do UNC Kenan-Flagler students secure internships successfully between their first and second years?

A: Each year, nearly 100% of our first-year students secure meaningful work experiences over the summer.

Q: How many career management people are there to help me with my job search?

A: Career management staff supporting the MBA job search with individual counseling include five full-time counselors with assigned areas of responsibility for specific functional areas of career focus. In addition, four other members of the Career Management staff provide individual attention and counseling - particularly for those whose career goals require independent job search support. In addition, 38 second-year students are selected and trained by the Career Management Center as Peer Counselors. The Peer Counselors conduct at least one mock interview and resume critique with every first-year student. They also provide career counseling support.

Fellowships

Q: How do I apply for school fellowships? What are the selection criteria?

A: Candidates who submit UNC Kenan-Flagler applications by the third deadline will be considered automatically for fellowships. Selection criteria include exceptional academic performance, progressive work experience, leadership and potential for success in business careers. Past recipients have demonstrated superior performance in all of these areas.

Q: May I apply for a graduate assistantship or research assistantship?

A: The School does not offer graduate or research assistantships to MBA students. The MBA Program workload, especially in the first year, precludes employment.

Q: Are Consortium applicants considered for all fellowships offered?

A: Yes. All applicants who complete an application for admission by the January deadline will be considered for one of the merit-based fellowships we offer. Applicants applying via the Consortium will also be considered for the Consortium Fellowship in addition to all the other fellowships we offer at UNC Kenan-Flagler. For more information on the Consortium application process, please see the Consortium FAQ page.

Student Life

Q: Can MBA students live in UNC dorms or apartments on campus?

A: Almost all the MBA students at UNC Kenan-Flagler live off campus in apartments, condominiums or houses. MBA students can apply to live in campus dormitories and in a campus apartment complex, Baity Hill and Mason Farm Communities, for students with families. The waiting list for these apartments is long, however, and you should have a back-up plan in case a suitable opening does not become available to you through campus housing.

Q: How much does the typical MBA student spend for rent and utilities?

A: Owning a car is not essential for getting to your classes. The bus system is quite efficient and provides transportation service to many apartment complexes in the area. You may find, however, that having access to a car will increase your mobility around town. Note: International students should keep in mind that car ownership entails the purchase, maintenance and upkeep, mandatory insurance and registration. You must have a Social Security number to obtain financing if you purchase a car.

Q: How much does a campus parking pass cost and can I get one?

A: A student parking permit for the 2012-2013 academic year for UNC Kenan-Flagler's Business School deck is US $414.75. We ask students to form carpools, and we assign parking passes to each carpool of students. Students in a carpool share the cost of the parking pass and most carpools will include between 2-4 members.